​Since Payton Pritchard inked his four-year, $30 million rookie contract extension with the Boston Celtics in 2023, the move has looked like a steal for the franchise. The former Oregon Ducks guard and 2020 No. 26 pick had just finished a season in which he averaged 5.6 points per game, yet there was far more to his profile than those numbers suggested. In his rookie season, Pritchard demonstrated notable shot-making ability, posting 7.7 points per game while hitting 41.1 percent of his three-pointers. His playing time steadily declined over the next two seasons as the Celtics added veteran guards, but the ceiling he exhibited remained clear. When given a real opportunity in the 2024-25 campaign, he seized it, averaging 14.3 points and earning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. He continued to grow during the 2025-26 season, sliding into a starting role for much of the year and posting a career-high 17.0 points per game over 32.4 minutes, cementing his status as one of the league’s craftier scorers. With All-Star teammate Jaylen Brown traded away, the window appears open for Pritchard to take another significant leap next season.
That trajectory has led to discussions of a potentially substantial contract extension for Pritchard, as highlighted by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, with talk of something far more lucrative than the $7.5 million-per-year pact he signed three summers earlier. The NBA salary cap has surged, and so has Pritchard’s value. This offseason, comparable guards like Kevin Huerter (three years, $27 million) and Landry Shamet (four years, $24 million) agreed to deals that mirror the framework of Pritchard’s current earnings, yet Pritchard’s substantially higher ceiling suggests he could exceed those figures. He has the potential to average over 20 points per game while serving as a starter in Boston’s backcourt, a role that would further amplify his stock.
A contract extension cannot be formalized until October 1, when Pritchard becomes extension-eligible. But once that window opens, expect the Celtics to secure their home-grown rising star with a richly symbolic and financially substantial deal. If Boston does not lock him in, Pritchard could become one of the summer’s most sought-after free agents. For continued coverage of Oregon Ducks news and analysis, follow Ducks Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Payton Pritchard could sign large contract extension this offseason.